Introduction
Introduction
Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa, the small fluid filled sac which cushions the point of contact near joints. There are 160 bursae in the body. The major bursae are found next to the tendons near the large joints, such as the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees. Bursitis is most commonly caused by overuse of a joint, or from repeated pressure or tension on the joint for extended periods of time.
As you get older, you are more likely to develop bursitis in one of your joints. The most common joint for bursitis is the shoulder, as it has the greatest range of motion of all the body’s major joints. Other people who are at risk for bursitis are typically involved in intense athletic activity. In addition to athletes, people who suddenly increase their activity level when out of shape can cause an acute bursitis to develop. Care must be taken not to over-exert, or to increase the intensity of your training too quickly. In addition, certain diseases and conditions increase your risk of developing bursitis, such as:
- Arthritis
- Gout
- Staphylococcal infection
- Tuberculosis